Aloe vera - Benefits and Uses

Aloe plant and its derivative products have played aacemannan, and mannose derivatives).
role in medicine and health care. Aloe is a genus ofPolysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that
plants belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, and isstimulates skin growth and repair. It also contains
related to onions and asparagus. Aloe is a lily-like,amino acids, lipids, sterols (lupeol, campesterol, and
green, and sometimes spiny shrub with very little, ifbeta-sitosterol), tannins, enzymes. Mannose
any, stem. The Aloe genus appears naturally in Africa,6-phosphate is a major sugar component. Aloe latex
although many members of the genus are popularcontains compounds known as anthraquinones that
houseplants and can be found around the world. Thestimulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
most famous member of the genus is Aloe Vera,The anthraquinones include the hydroxyanthracene
known for its medicinal uses and applications. Aloederivatives, aloins A and B, barbaloin, isobarbaloin,
Vera can be used to heal both internally andaloectic acid, and emodin.
externally. It greatly speeds the healing of many skinAloe vera is one of the most widely used substances
injuries, including ulcerations, burns, hives and poisonin the world for the treatment of bruises and burns.
ivy and also acts as a laxative. The juice from aloeAloe Vera has been used medicinally for over 6,000
can be dried into a dark powder composed ofyears. Aloe gel is available commercially in a stabilized
yellowish granules that are quite bitter to taste.gel form, incorporated into ointments, creams, and
Internal use of Aloe is marketed as a treatment forlotions. Aloe latex is available in a powdered form or
coughs, ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, and evenin 500 mg capsules for use as a laxative. Aloe gel
cancer and HIV. The only proven Aloe Vera benefit inspeeds the healing of burns (from fire, sun or
internal use is the relief of constipation. Additionally,radiation) and insect bites, and relieves itching and
even in this use, internal use of the plant has adandruff. Aloe vera heals third degree burns up to six
number of side effects, can cause nausea, andtimes faster than traditional medical treatments. The
should not be taken by women who may bealoe vera plant is intentionally a natural herb which is
pregnant. Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator and hasused for both internal and external problems like
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects.ulcers, skin rashes, burns etc.One can also have
Aloe Vera leaves are smooth and rubbery in touchingkidney problems or severe diarrhea in case of
from interior and exterior. The more used part of theoverdose of aloe vera. Aloe vera contains burn
aloe plants are their leaves and in particular theirhealing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, scar
internal transparent gel. Aloe vera is a plant that hasreducing properties and woundsOne can experience
wonderful healing and softening properties. Aloe verairregular heart beats because of reduction of
contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes,potassium in the blood. Other side effects of aloe
amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may bevera include its internal usage turns the urine pink or
anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. The combinationred. One should take the advice of a health care
and balance of the plant's ingredients are whatprofessional before drinking the juice of aloe vera.
purportedly gives it its healing properties. Aloe vera isOverdose of aloe vera can result into dehydration,
a source of energy containing over 200 nutrients,stomach cramps or intestinal spasms, so one should
including 18 amino acids and a variety of vitamins andfollow the instructions for dosage while purchasing
minerals. Aloe vera gel consists primarily of water andthe product.
polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses, glucomannan,